The Good Life

Julie Vickery ponders how knowledge of the three stages of the spiritual life can help us retain the joyful hope of Easter in all seasons.

"I am the way, the truth and the life." (John 14:6)

With the renewal of our Baptismal vows still fresh in our minds and the Easter Season nearing its close, we have arrived at an ideal time to consider the Church's ancient teaching on the three stages of the spiritual life. Ever since Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430) developed his foundational teaching on the three stages (or ways), numerous saints, mystics, and holy men and women have contributed their insights to the Catholic understanding of the spiritual journey that brings joy in this world and life eternal in the next.

The outline below shows the various characteristics and phases (or steps) of the three stages. The purpose of this outline is to encourage reflection that will lead the seeker to search for answers from the masters of the spiritual life, such as: Ss. Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross and Catherine of Siena. More recently, the lives of Blessed Concepcion de Armida ("Conchita") and Ss. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross and Mother Teresa of Calcutta are models of the holiness to which all are called.

Edith_Stein_Gymnasium_Zehnergasse_02

This image of Saint Benedicta of the Cross, painted on a school wall in Germany, is a fitting portrayal of her prayerful journey from atheist to martyr.

Finally, it is important to stress here that no one should travel the spiritual way alone, as the road to eternal life is narrow and few find it (Matthew 7: 13-14). An experienced and knowledgeable guide is a must. Finding such a person can be a frustrating and, often, futile task. Mercifully, Catholics are blessed with the Community of Saints. With prayer and persistence, the right heavenly guide will most certainly be found — indeed, many believe it is the saint who finds the seeker.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you." (Matthew 7:7)

20210511 JVickery 1

Click to tweet:
With prayer and persistence, the right heavenly guide will most certainly be found. #catholicmom

The Three Stages of the Spiritual Life

Introduction: Every spiritual journey begins with a "yes" to God's call for a love relationship. Known as "awakening," this positive response is the first step on the road to holiness.

First Stage: PURGATION

New life in Christ conflicts with old habits, human weaknesses and inclinations toward sin (concupiscence)
Time of emotional upheaval
Longing for forgiveness and fear of falling back are ever-present
Frequent Confession and self-knowledge are vital aids

1st Phase: Moral Integration:

Old ways replaced with sincere prayer, aspirations, holy reading, fellowship
Growth and change underlie anxiety and uncertainty
Relationships suffer
Frequent backslides and returns to former life are common

2nd Phase: Faith and Trust Mature

Anxiety lessens/defenses lower
Transcendence seems a real possibility
Prayer shifts from monologue to dialogue; from desire to control God's response to trust in His providence

Simple Meditation

1st Spiritual Darkness

Second Stage: ILLUMINATION

Strong awareness God is the Light that illuminates the spiritual life
Keen mindfulness of Christ's Real Presence in the Eucharist
Scripture and lives of the saints provide spiritual sustenance
Devotion to Mother of God deepens. Mary seen as spiritual mother

1st Phase: Affective Prayer

Zeal, gratitude and love of neighbor flow from desire to do all for God
Desire for the presence of God alone can lead to loss of relationships
Spiritual pride, self-deception and self-righteousness ever-present pitfalls

2nd Phase Prayer of Quiet

Stillness in God
Family and social obligations become burdensome, but infused virtues make for cheerful fulfillment of obligations

Contemplative Meditation

Third Stage: UNION

Dryness leads to faithful prayer in silent darkness and perseverance
God reigns supreme in the hearts of those who reach the state of union

1st Phase: Simple Union/Dark Night of the Senses

Simple contemplation
Loss of all defenses
Gifts of the Holy Spirit prompt virtuous actions—selfless love reflects pure love of God

2nd Phase: Full Union and Ecstasy/Dark Night of the Spirit

Complete harmony of the individual with the Divine Being
Seeker transformed into Christ as completely as possible in this life

Spiritual Marriage

Complete Oblation

Infused Contemplation

5 Readings you may find helpful:

Teresa of Avila. The Life of Saint Teresa of Avila By Herself
Mother Teresa. Come Be My Light: The Private Writings of the Saint of Calcutta
Garcia, Jaime. 15 Days of Prayer with Saint Augustine
Guardini, Romano. Meditations on the Christ: Model of All Holiness
Dubay, Thomas. Deep Conversion, Deep Prayer

Resolution: Church teaching tells us prayer is the watermark of the spiritual life. Determine a way to deepen your conversations with God (prayer) and make it a habit of everyday life.